Colonial Despatches
The colonial despatches of Vancouver Island and British Columbia 1846-1871
Despatch to London
Seymour, Governor Frederick to
Grenville, Richard 22 November 1867, CO 60:29, no. 3370, 450.
Abstract
Seymour, Governor Frederick to
Grenville, Richard 22 November 1867, CO 60:29, no. 3370, 450.
Despatch to London.
Minutes (4), Enclosures (untranscribed) (2), Other documents (1).
No. 149
22nd November 1867
My Lord Duke,
I greatly regret that, by oversight, I have not earlier
forwarded to Your Grace an Ordinance of the last Session of the
Legislature of this Colonywhich
which I had reserved for Her Majesty's
pleasure.
which I had reserved for Her Majesty's
pleasure.
2. I have now the honor to forward an Authenticated and
two plain Copies of a Bill which has passed the Legislative
Council. It is entitled;
An Ordinance for regulating the acquisition
of Crown Lands in British Columbia.
3. I add the report of the Attorney General and ofthe
the
Surveyor General.
the
Surveyor General.
4. I share in the objections which these officers take to
the measure and go further in saying that I consider Legislation on
the subject at present unnecessary. Englishmen or naturalized
Englishmen can now virtually get land for nothing, provided that
they improve that which they settle on. No payment is required
until the Government Survey has reached their land,and
and that Survey
the Government is not at present in a position to undertake.
and that Survey
the Government is not at present in a position to undertake.
5. Viewing the present Bill as decidedly unneccessary, if
not mischievous, I withheld my assent to it and am unable now to
recommend it for Your Grace's favorable consideration.
Minutes by CO staff
Mr Holland
The Act appears to have been carried in defiance of the Govt & you will see the Govr, the Attorney General & the Surveyor General are all opposed to its policy—& the Govr did not give his assent to it.
The Act appears to have been carried in defiance of the Govt & you will see the Govr, the Attorney General & the Surveyor General are all opposed to its policy—& the Govr did not give his assent to it.
The argument of the Att. Genl & the Surveyor General appear
very conclusive agt
the Act—at the same time I suppose you
will suggest a reference to the Land Bd as the 1st step.
the Act—at the same time I suppose you
will suggest a reference to the Land Bd as the 1st step.
CC
3/4
Duke of Buckingham
There are clearly errors enough in detail to reject the Ordce but, subject to ammendt it is needed. In referring to Land Bd I should like special advice on the postponement of foreigners. The main object is to draw capital & occupation as rapidly as possible. I doubt the minn of 320 acres & would only insist on residence [agst agency?]—& on the reqte ammendt in detail.
There are clearly errors enough in detail to reject the Ordce but, subject to ammendt it is needed. In referring to Land Bd I should like special advice on the postponement of foreigners. The main object is to draw capital & occupation as rapidly as possible. I doubt the minn of 320 acres & would only insist on residence [agst agency?]—& on the reqte ammendt in detail.
CBA
9/4
Documents enclosed with the main document (not transcribed)
H.P.P. Crease, Attorney General, to Seymour, 2 November 1867,
reporting on the ordinance as per despatch.
J.W. Trutch, Chief Commissioner of Lands and Works, to Seymour,
19 November 1867, reporting on the ordinance as per despatch.
Other documents included in the file
Rogers to Emigration Commissioners, 16 April 1868,
forwarding copy of the despatch and enclosure for report.